Top 10 left handed openers with most runs in Test cricket

#8 Sanath Jayasuriya

Sanath Jayasuriya

Known for his dangerous opening exploits in ODI cricket, Sanath Jayasuriya was quite successful as an opener in Test cricket. Jayasuriya donned the opener’s role to perfection and was his nation’s frontline top order for almost a decade and a half. The belligerent power hitter adapted to the grind of Test cricket by inculcating a calm and steady approach into his otherwise attacking game. Besides his natural ball striking ability, Sanath could play the waiting game with a dodged defence and sound technique.

For almost a decade, he formed a handy opening pair with the technically sound Marvan Attapatu for the Islanders. Jayasuriya scripted history by becoming the first Lankan to score a triple ton in Test cricket when he registered a mammoth 340 against India. The ‘Matara Mauler’ was a heavy run scorer on the slow and low batting friendly tracks of the sub-continent condition.

Sanath Jayasuriya's record as Test opener

Matches: 90; Runs: 5932; Avg: 41.48; 100s: 13; 50s: 25